Teen Drivers: Do Driver’s Ed Programs Really Work?

Under Texas law, teen drivers under the age of 18 and adult drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 are required to complete a driver’s education course. For the parents of teen drivers, the completion of a driver’s education course can help relieve anxiety about seeing their children behind the wheel of the family car. But just how effective are driver’s education courses?\

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, driver’s education courses for teen drivers do make a difference.

New research conducted by the AAA Foundation showed that teens across the nation who did not take driver’s education courses were involved in more motor vehicle accidents and received more convictions for traffic violations than their counterparts who had completed a driver’s education course.

The research found a number of key differences between teens who had participated in a driver’s education course and those who did not. Driver education was found to be associated with a lower number of crashes – 4.3 percent lower – and 40 percent less convictions for traffic violations as well.

However, the AAA Foundation notes there is still room for improvement when it comes to driver’s ed courses, in particular the implementation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Novice Teen Driver Education and Training Administration Standards.

After a car accident, an experienced attorney is one of the few people who will advocate for your best interests. Robert Greening is the principal attorney at Greening Law, P.C. He has dedicated his 24 years of practice to the litigation of wrongful death and serious injury cases. If you have any questions, contact Greening Law, P.C. at 972-934-8900.